Fused seismic shock absorbers – an innovative solution for a high-speed rail viaduct of the AVE Granada Line, Spain

摘要

The high-speed AVE railway line to Granada is to cross a highly seismic area with an irregulartopography. The design of a viaduct for one section requires its deck to be connected to one of itsabutments by shock absorbers which generally act as rigid connections but which dissipate energyand protect the structure from overloading during a large earthquake. A solution has been developed,incorporating the modification of a standard shock absorber to feature an innovative fusedconnection. This connection is designed to resist fatigue from service loading, and to fail in acontrolled manner under the action of a high seismic load, freeing the device to act as a damper. Itthus provides seismic protection of the viaduct at its fixed point, contributing to an efficientabutment design. The device’s design and behaviour are described, with reference to its fulfilmentof the requirements of EN15129 and the testing that has proven its innovative functionality.